Root canal treatment is a procedure that is designed to eliminate bacteria from the infected root canal, prevent tooth re-infection, and save the natural tooth. An endodontist is a highly trained dental professional who specializes in this type of treatment. They are experts in diagnosing and treating dental pain that affects the tissues inside (pulp) or around (roots) of teeth. The endodontist begins by removing the inflamed or infected pulp, carefully cleaning and shaping the inside of the root canal, then filling and sealing the space.
To do this, they will make an access hole and then drill the tooth to reach the pulp. The dentist will use a tool to scrape the sides to make sure all debris is gone, then use a disinfectant to kill any remaining bacteria. Afterwards, you will return to your dentist, who will place a crown or other restoration on the tooth to protect it and return it to full function. Endodontists are known as specialists in saving teeth, as their procedures allow us to preserve teeth even after they have suffered deep decay, dental trauma, or serious damage.
The alternative to endodontic treatment is tooth extraction, which can compromise your oral health, especially if you choose not to restore your tooth. Endodontists have specialized training and experience in performing root canal treatments. They perform this procedure much more often than general dentists, as they focus on techniques to diagnose and treat dental pain that affects the tissues inside (pulp) or around (roots) of teeth. The American Association of Endodontists estimates that less than three percent of U. S.
dentists are endodontists. Root canal treatment can generally be performed comfortably in one or two visits and follows an effective and logical sequence. Endodontists have the skill, experience, and knowledge to treat complex cases and provide successful endodontic retreatment when a patient who has already undergone root canal treatment experiences reinfection or requires additional treatment.
